CENTRE FOR STRATEGIC STUDIES AND SIMULATION (CS3)

With the endorsement of the Chiefs of Staff Committee the USI Council approved the establishment of the USI Centre for Strategic Studies and Simulation from 01 January 2005. The earlier Centre for Research, which was established in 1995, and its resources stand merged in the new Centre (USI-CS3). The new Centre aims at conducting comprehensive enquiry, research and analyses on national and international security issues, and gaming and simulation of strategic scenarios, to evolve options for wider discussion and consideration.

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Aims and Objectives

Undertake military oriented studies and research with a view to providing well-researched and reasoned military perspectives that are contributory to national security strategy formulation.

Area of core competence of the Centre will be undertaking practical policy oriented research that takes cognizance of emerging realities of international and regional security challenges.

The Centre will also undertake studies related to contemporary military challenges, changing nature of war to include both traditional and non-traditional threats, revolution in military affairs, information warfare etc; the aim being to carry out studies, either stand-alone or in concert with Service Headquarters, that will assist in developing national military capabilities and structures in concert with national aspirations.

Another core area of activity will be to undertake simulation exercises using techniques such as scenario building, crisis gaming, politico-military gaming etc to evaluate options, efficacy of research findings or to evaluate complexities of military competition.

Undertake contractual studies that are out sourced by the Service Headquarters, DRDO, HQ IDS, MOD, MEA, MHA, and NSCS etc.

Carry out studies on behalf of industry coordination bodies such as CII, FICCI etc.

Conduct national and international seminars and conferences on important strategic issues as USI stand-alone activity or in partnership with other organisations such as national and international think tanks, inter Service/Service organisations and industrial bodies etc.

Coordinate all interaction with national and international think tanks, including activities such as conduct of round table discussions, signing of Memorandum of Understanding and exchange of scholars and visits.

Research

Chairs of Excellence : There are Six chairs which have been instituted at the CS3 to undertake research by selected scholars.

Field Marshal KM Cariappa Chair.

Admiral RD Katari Chair.

Air Marshal Subroto Mukherjee Chair.

Dr DS Kothari DRDO Chair.

MEA Chair. and

Flying Officer Amandeep Singh Gill Chair.

Fellowship Programme : The Centre will invite applications for two years fellowships normally. Research Scholars may be classified as under:-

Senior Research Fellow -

Generally Ph.D and experience. For Service officers rank of Colonel or equivalent and above.

Research Fellow -

Generally Ph.D and experience. For Service officers rank of Lt Colonel or equivalent and below.

Associate Research Fellow -

Generally Ph.D but M. Phil acceptable.

Research Associates -

Generally Ph.D but M. Phil acceptable.

Research Interns -

Generally M. Phil.

Applications :

Applicants may select any of the subjects from the list of topics decided by the BOM. In addition there will be an annual focus on studies pertaining to a set of subjects as decided by the BOM. All proposals received by the USI will be put up to the BOM, who may have it screened by a Sub Committee in some cases if so desired. Normally applicants will be required to make a presentation to the BOM. The decision of the BOM shall be final and will be conveyed to the applicants.

Guidelines for Submission of Research Proposals :

The broad guidelines for submission of research proposals can be viewed here. Names of suitable officers wishing to apply for USI – CS3 Fellowship Programme together with suitable research proposals along with recommendations (of Service Headquarters/Parent Organisation for Serving Personnel) will be forwarded to USI latest by 31 March every year.

Period of Research :

All research fellowships will be for an initial period of eighteen months to two years. Lesser duration fellowships can also be considered in exceptional cases depending on the subject selected and its contemporary relevance. Additional period may be authorised by the BOM in accordance with research requirements, nature of the project, exceptional circumstances. All such requirements will be considered on case-to-case basis. The date of commencement of research fellowships will usually be 01 Jul.

Conduct of Fellowship Programme :

All research personnel will generally be required to give three presentations where he/she will present his/her research findings. These will be once in six months. Scholars will be encouraged to publish their papers after duly incorporating the suggestions and issues raised during the presentations and the remarks of discussants. On completion of the research project, a book is to be published depending on quality of research work. In addition, research personnel will submit papers/articles as decided from time to time, both in print and on the internet, such as monthly USI's Strategic Perspective. In addition to their own research, scholars will be encouraged to take part in other activities of the CS3 including collaborative research with other scholars. Scholars will also be encouraged to undertake field trips to enrich their effort rather than depending primarily upon secondary sources. Exact amounts and methodology for this will be formalised in keeping with overall USI practice and with the approval of the BOM. Each research project will be validated through simulation exercises that could take the form of scenario building exercises, politico-military gaming or focused seminars, as far as possible.

Remuneration/Fellowship Grants :

Service Officers -

In the case of Service officers on study leave or on duty, a one-time contingency grant will be provided on completion of their Fellowship programme. However, during the Fellowship, all research-oriented expenses will be borne by the Centre. BOM will decide the amount of grant taking cognisance of the financial position of the USI.

Serving Personnel from Other than Armed Forces -

Serving personnel from other organisations will be governed by rules similar to those of Service officers.

Other Research Personnel -

Retired officers, members of the USI and other research personnel will be awarded remuneration and fellowship grants as per scales to be approved by the BOM within the existing rules of USI.

Publication of the Projects and Copyright :

The BOM may arrange publication of the final report to the Service HQ or Ministries of Defence, External Affairs, NSCS, etc. Reports found suitable for publication will be published within one year of acceptance of the report and the decision to do so will be communicated to the concerned research scholars within six months of submission. The copyright of all the publications based on research projects will vest with the USI.